As an owner of both the Spirit 37 and IWC Spirit. I agree with your opinions. That being said, it's something about owning an IWC that just feels different when you wear it. To me the Longines wear dressier and the IWC is more toolish, so I'll match them accordingly. Both are perfect watches at the end of the day.
Thanks for the input. For sure big respect to IWC for a classic. The IWC is a great watch which retains its toolish nature. Only the lume i find to be not acceptable.
Great comparison video. Here in the US, Longines is very underrated. They make really nice watches at a good price. That said, I love IWC but their prices make them a poor value especially when you compare them to other brands.
thanks. IWC is great and I love the pilots watches. But in this particular case, I think Longines is offering even better bang for buck if you look at the specs and quality.
Go for the Longines with the applied marker dial, 70hrs PR, anti magnetic silicon hairspring, COSC certified movement. IWC printed dial doesn't give a luxurious watch feel. Even with a soft iron cage, try putting a magnet over the IWC and see what happens? Silicon hairspring is totally impervious to magnetic field.
Ive owned both watches, i sold the longines. For the money the longines is really good. For me the iwc is the ultimate pilots watch, just the way it looks is amazing. I own the mark 18, it has a top grade movement, iron inner case, much better ar coating, better strap and bracelet etc. The iwc is superior in every way for me.
@@sgwristwatcher3739 I still own the mark 18, I sold the longines as I always kept looking at the iwc and when I got the iwc I even sold my other watches as it's the only watch I wear all the time. Re the longines it was the design that made me sell it, just to much going on the dial.
On the contrary the IWC Mark XVIII is a pure ETA 2892 or Selitta SW300. So it is more basic than the Longines. Longines is part of the Swatch group so it makes sense that their movements are from ETA as they are the same family. The IWC using ETA or Selitta is buying a movement from a third party manufacturer. Only the Mark XX is using an in group movement from Richemont.
@@sgwristwatcher3739 You need to check your facts - any watchmaker who's worked with one will tell you that the ETA based movements in the IWCs have been substantially tweaked by IWC. If you're just going by power reserve to compare how "basic" a movement is, you're not getting the full picture.
Yes i understand IWC does modify the ETA 2892/ Selitta SW-300 in their calibres. Nonetheless, it's hard to substantiate what the changes are given that the specs remain the same while the L888.4 clearly demonstrates upgrades in power reserve, accuracy (COSC certified) and magnetic resistance (silicon hairspring).
@@sgwristwatcher3739 Stop shifting the goalposts as it suits your narrative mate. The IWC has magnetic resistance as well from the soft iron cage. When you buy watches at this price point it becomes less about telling the time accurately and more about the finer details and branding. The IWC punches at a level the Longines simply can't. Understand that you are happy with the Longines but going around trying to convince people it's better than an IWC, what exactly are you trying to prove?
I've stated the factual points why I think the Longines is better in this case. Instead of making grand pronouncements based on brand alone, why not make a case based on facts on why you think the IWC is better? I hope facts are not too challenging for you.
Ok. I’ve listed my points in the video. The case, the dial, the movement are better than the Mark XVIII for the reasons explained. I’d like to hear your point of view. Could you explain with reasons and logic where the IWC is superior?
@@sgwristwatcher3739 Sure let's see... 1. Water resistance - it's inconsequential as hardly anyone is taking these watches for a swim anyway, but for argument's sake 60m is going to be as good as 100m in a pool especially with IWC's literal ratings. Granted it's always nice to have additional water resistance as long as it doesn't contribute to case thickness, but this isn't something most buyers prioritise when looking at this style of watch. 2. Your second point kind of contradicts your first where you say these watches are more for everyday office-going people (so why the need for higher WR?). Anyway talking on the case, I see the IWC case design being fully brushed as being more true to the idea of what a pilot's watch should be. You might prefer the polished bevels but if you look at the brushed edges on both there is simply no contest, the IWC is a league above. 3. Fair point on the applied indices, though I'm not sure if adding these to Mark series would add any value - seems to work best with printed indices. You're comparing a picture of a black Mark XVIII to a blue dialed watch in the metal, hardly a fair comparison. If you put the Le Petit Prince side by side with your Longines it's no contest, the IWC pops way more under whichever light source you view it under. Subjective, but not everyone likes the 5 stars on the Longines dial either - definitely not me. 4. Disagree on the lume. The huge hands on the IWC are lumed enough such that with the 4 directional markers you're going to be able to tell what time it is pretty easily. Gives a unique lumed look as well as opposed to a fully lumed dive watch dial - to me it feels more of a design choice than IWC being cheap, how much more would it cost to fully apply lume anyway? 5. Moot point on the seconds hand as again it's purely a design choice and as you've mentioned IWC goes the "tool watch route". 6. Fair points on the movement and date window but with a base ETA servicing is going to be way easier and cheaper to procure. Higher beat rate always preferred for me. Granted, COSC certification is a nice touch for the Longines. 7. IWC is heads and shoulders above all other brands when it comes to pilot's watches and their heritage. Longines is nice but comes up short. 8. Longines is very good value for the price, but when you talk about luxury watches it's always about diminishing returns. The IWC costs 2x, but is undoubtedly better made and better finished in every way when you handle both. The brushing on the IWC alone outclasses anything the Longines can offer. It's again subjective if you think it's worth twice the price and perhaps the Longines is the better VALUE, but it's undisputable that the IWC is a better made watch. Additionally, lug width wise the XVIII and XX at 20mm will make sourcing for watch straps a lot more painless compared to the odd 19mm the Longines is on.
@@manofthehour_ thanks. you made a good point about the straps. 20mm is definitely preferable to 19mm. The brushing is something that i've heard about and i'd like a chance to compare again side by side. On the lume, my theory is that partially it's being true to the original Mark XI that they keep that concept or perhaps to differentiate it from the Big Pilots that they only keep the quarter lume plots. But really I think it's not acceptable at this price. Althought we have different perspectives I'm glad we could agree on the facts. Anyways most of the points are moot with the introduction of the Mark XX. Although the Mark XX will run into the issue of serviceability with the new in house movement but these are trade-offs I guess. Thanks for sharing.
yes you're right, in terms of video quality are not ideal. There is no way to compare them physically form this video. Nonetheless, the specs and facts mentioned remain true.
As an owner of both the Spirit 37 and IWC Spirit. I agree with your opinions. That being said, it's something about owning an IWC that just feels different when you wear it. To me the Longines wear dressier and the IWC is more toolish, so I'll match them accordingly. Both are perfect watches at the end of the day.
Thanks for the input. For sure big respect to IWC for a classic. The IWC is a great watch which retains its toolish nature. Only the lume i find to be not acceptable.
I must admit the spirit is a beautiful watch and feels very premium 😊👍🏻
You should do a follow up update and show it on your wrist, lets see how it fits with those long endlinks.
It's sure to look oversized on his girly wrist.
Great comparison video. Here in the US, Longines is very underrated. They make really nice watches at a good price. That said, I love IWC but their prices make them a poor value especially when you compare them to other brands.
thanks. IWC is great and I love the pilots watches. But in this particular case, I think Longines is offering even better bang for buck if you look at the specs and quality.
Agreed
Go for the Longines with the applied marker dial, 70hrs PR, anti magnetic silicon hairspring, COSC certified movement. IWC printed dial doesn't give a luxurious watch feel. Even with a soft iron cage, try putting a magnet over the IWC and see what happens? Silicon hairspring is totally impervious to magnetic field.
Agreed
Does the Longines boutiques in SG give discounts from the retail price you mentioned?
Previously i got Longines at 25% off at multi brand stores. In singapore and malaysia
@@sgwristwatcher3739 Cash term or credit card?
@@ngpatrick8687 i paid via youtrip so credit card
@@sgwristwatcher3739 i asked around, the max discount i get is 8%. in Singapore...
Ive owned both watches, i sold the longines.
For the money the longines is really good.
For me the iwc is the ultimate pilots watch, just the way it looks is amazing.
I own the mark 18, it has a top grade movement, iron inner case, much better ar coating, better strap and bracelet etc. The iwc is superior in every way for me.
Hi thanks, i appreciate your comments coming from an owner. It's a shame you sold both, I'd have like to seen a side by side comparison.
@@sgwristwatcher3739 I still own the mark 18, I sold the longines as I always kept looking at the iwc and when I got the iwc I even sold my other watches as it's the only watch I wear all the time. Re the longines it was the design that made me sell it, just to much going on the dial.
@@coffeeboyclips1973 Agreed, it is really ugly with the stars, and the minute track deviates a bit too much from the traditional pilot design.
Longines iconic five stars are a very characteristic Spirit watch feature IMO. This watch will be an icon in the future, with these own five stars...
Longines is a modified ETA movement, the IWC is not.
On the contrary the IWC Mark XVIII is a pure ETA 2892 or Selitta SW300. So it is more basic than the Longines. Longines is part of the Swatch group so it makes sense that their movements are from ETA as they are the same family.
The IWC using ETA or Selitta is buying a movement from a third party manufacturer. Only the Mark XX is using an in group movement from Richemont.
@@sgwristwatcher3739 You need to check your facts - any watchmaker who's worked with one will tell you that the ETA based movements in the IWCs have been substantially tweaked by IWC. If you're just going by power reserve to compare how "basic" a movement is, you're not getting the full picture.
Yes i understand IWC does modify the ETA 2892/ Selitta SW-300 in their calibres. Nonetheless, it's hard to substantiate what the changes are given that the specs remain the same while the L888.4 clearly demonstrates upgrades in power reserve, accuracy (COSC certified) and magnetic resistance (silicon hairspring).
@@sgwristwatcher3739 Stop shifting the goalposts as it suits your narrative mate. The IWC has magnetic resistance as well from the soft iron cage.
When you buy watches at this price point it becomes less about telling the time accurately and more about the finer details and branding. The IWC punches at a level the Longines simply can't. Understand that you are happy with the Longines but going around trying to convince people it's better than an IWC, what exactly are you trying to prove?
@@Manofthehour1002 yup of course I mentioned the soft iron inner cage of the IWC in the video.
Lol , you dont know anything about watches if you claim longines beats iwc. Lol funny
I've stated the factual points why I think the Longines is better in this case. Instead of making grand pronouncements based on brand alone, why not make a case based on facts on why you think the IWC is better? I hope facts are not too challenging for you.
Show us why it is better dollar for dollar.
It does not beat the IWC at anything other than being cheaper.
Ok. I’ve listed my points in the video. The case, the dial, the movement are better than the Mark XVIII for the reasons explained. I’d like to hear your point of view. Could you explain with reasons and logic where the IWC is superior?
@@sgwristwatcher3739 Sure let's see...
1. Water resistance - it's inconsequential as hardly anyone is taking these watches for a swim anyway, but for argument's sake 60m is going to be as good as 100m in a pool especially with IWC's literal ratings. Granted it's always nice to have additional water resistance as long as it doesn't contribute to case thickness, but this isn't something most buyers prioritise when looking at this style of watch.
2. Your second point kind of contradicts your first where you say these watches are more for everyday office-going people (so why the need for higher WR?). Anyway talking on the case, I see the IWC case design being fully brushed as being more true to the idea of what a pilot's watch should be. You might prefer the polished bevels but if you look at the brushed edges on both there is simply no contest, the IWC is a league above.
3. Fair point on the applied indices, though I'm not sure if adding these to Mark series would add any value - seems to work best with printed indices. You're comparing a picture of a black Mark XVIII to a blue dialed watch in the metal, hardly a fair comparison. If you put the Le Petit Prince side by side with your Longines it's no contest, the IWC pops way more under whichever light source you view it under. Subjective, but not everyone likes the 5 stars on the Longines dial either - definitely not me.
4. Disagree on the lume. The huge hands on the IWC are lumed enough such that with the 4 directional markers you're going to be able to tell what time it is pretty easily. Gives a unique lumed look as well as opposed to a fully lumed dive watch dial - to me it feels more of a design choice than IWC being cheap, how much more would it cost to fully apply lume anyway?
5. Moot point on the seconds hand as again it's purely a design choice and as you've mentioned IWC goes the "tool watch route".
6. Fair points on the movement and date window but with a base ETA servicing is going to be way easier and cheaper to procure. Higher beat rate always preferred for me. Granted, COSC certification is a nice touch for the Longines.
7. IWC is heads and shoulders above all other brands when it comes to pilot's watches and their heritage. Longines is nice but comes up short.
8. Longines is very good value for the price, but when you talk about luxury watches it's always about diminishing returns. The IWC costs 2x, but is undoubtedly better made and better finished in every way when you handle both. The brushing on the IWC alone outclasses anything the Longines can offer. It's again subjective if you think it's worth twice the price and perhaps the Longines is the better VALUE, but it's undisputable that the IWC is a better made watch.
Additionally, lug width wise the XVIII and XX at 20mm will make sourcing for watch straps a lot more painless compared to the odd 19mm the Longines is on.
@@manofthehour_ thanks. you made a good point about the straps. 20mm is definitely preferable to 19mm. The brushing is something that i've heard about and i'd like a chance to compare again side by side. On the lume, my theory is that partially it's being true to the original Mark XI that they keep that concept or perhaps to differentiate it from the Big Pilots that they only keep the quarter lume plots. But really I think it's not acceptable at this price.
Althought we have different perspectives I'm glad we could agree on the facts. Anyways most of the points are moot with the introduction of the Mark XX. Although the Mark XX will run into the issue of serviceability with the new in house movement but these are trade-offs I guess. Thanks for sharing.
where is the IWC to make a real comparison? this is clickbait.... yes the longines does beat a picture of the IWC
poor video
yes you're right, in terms of video quality are not ideal. There is no way to compare them physically form this video. Nonetheless, the specs and facts mentioned remain true.
Longines Spirit Titanium beats IWC in every way, unfortunately...